Build a Leprechaun Trap S.T.E.A.M. Challenge
Leprechaun traps are a fun way to get kids involved in a S.T.E.A.M. project. These traps can be made as part of a class project or during at home learning.
S.T.E.A.M. activities in this project include:
Science: Take it outdoors! Find natural objects to add to your leprechaun trap and plan the perfect spot in your yard to catch a leprechaun.
Technology: Using this step by step tutorial gets kids following directions online. Do a search on trap doors for the top of your leprechaun trap to find the best options for your project.
Engineering: During the construction of this leprechaun trap kids will be building a trap door and a ladder.
Art: This is my favorite part of our leprechaun trap! Add a rainbow of colors so leprechauns are sure to see it in your yard!
Math: Measuring paper length and height are math related tasks in this activity.
Supplies
- Empty Coffee Can with Lid
- Green Construction Paper
- Yellow Construction Paper
- Gold Pipe Cleaners
- Rainbow Craft Sticks
- Glue
Directions
Clean the coffee can and remove the lid.
Measure around the can to find the length and width of paper you’ll need to cover the can. Cut green paper and glue it around the can.
Research trap doors online or use our example. We cut a line across the lid leaving about half an inch attached on each side. Next, we cut a semi-circle around the sides of half of the lid, leaving about half an inch attached in the center. See the image below for help.
Cover the lid with yellow paper and cut the paper to match the cuts in the lid.
Measure the length of the ladder you’ll need to reach the top of the can. Our pipe cleaners were already a good length. Shorten them as needed with scissors or lengthen them by wrapping the ends of two pipe cleaners together.
To strengthen the ladder and add the craft sticks we wrapped two pipe cleaners together leaving loops to insert the sticks. If you’re looking for a simpler way to add the sticks to the ladder you can tape them to the pipe cleaners.
Bend the top ends over the edge of the coffee can and push the lid on the can. Make sure your trap door is at the back, not near the ladder.
Glue plastic coins behind the trap door. The leprechauns will see the coins and fall into the trap before they reach them.
Set the can outside before St. Patrick’s Day and see if you can catch one of those sneaky leprechauns!
I request an email format copy of your LEPRECHAUN TRAP BUILDING, A S.T.E.A.M. CHALLENGE that I can forward to our grandchildren
Peter